How to Make a Moving Cosplay Tail

Show your happiness by wagging your tail.

Make a moving tail for a cosplay animal costume. Gravity will cause a tail that is free to move up and down to just hang down all the time. But if only side-to-side motion is allowed, the tail will sway naturally. Toy wooden snakes have slits cut along the sides that allow them to move only from side to side and not up and down. Cover a snake with fur to make a moving tail.

Things You'll Need

• Flexible wooden snake toy
• Saw
• Weightlifting belt
• Drill
• 3 wood screws, 1 1/2 inch
• Screwdriver
• Faux fur
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Saw the head off a flexible wooden snake toy. Place the flat edge of the snake tail against the center of the back of the weight belt so the snake can move from side to side when the belt is worn. Drill three pilot holes through the belt and into the snake tail. Use a small drill bit and drill 1 1/2-inch-deep holes. Place the holes in a triangular pattern.

2. Screw three wood screws through the belt and into the tail.

3. Measure around the tail at the point closest to the tail. Cut a strip of fabric 1 inch wider than the distance you measured and as long as you want the tail to be. The strip must be at least an inch longer than the wooden part of the tail.

4. Fold the fur strip in half lengthwise with the fur in the inside. Sew 1/2 inch from the edges of the strip. You may shape one end of the tail into any shape you like. Leave the other end open. Trim the seam allowances to 1/4 inch.

5. Turn the faux fur tail right side out and pull it over the wooden tail with the seam on the bottom.

6. Stitch the open end of the tail to the belt. Wear the belt under your clothing with the tail sticking throughout a hole in the back of the costume.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a long tail to stick up, attach the free end to the back of the costume with a length of clear fishing line.

• If the tail is much longer than the snake, stuff the empty part firmly with polyester stuffing.